Kew Broom Cytisus × kewensis
ABOUT
Cytisus × kewensis, commonly known as Kew broom, features a blend of ornamental qualities that contribute to its garden appeal. This attractive hybrid exhibits a cascading habit with arching branches that give it a graceful appearance. Its slender green stems are clothed in small, trifoliate leaves that provide a delicate backdrop to the plant's standout feature—its flowers. The Kew broom blossoms profusely in late spring to early summer, producing an abundance of flowers that are sure to catch the eye. Each flower is small, yet they cluster together densely along the branches. The individual blossoms resemble those of a pea, a nod to its family ties, displaying a soft, creamy yellow hue. This pastel color palette makes the Kew broom particularly versatile in landscape design, as it pairs well with a variety of other plants. Upon closer examination, the texture of the flowers reveals a slight velvety quality, which adds to the sensory experience of the plant. Although the individual flowers are modest in size, their sheer numbers create a lavish display that can appear to envelop the green foliage, creating a striking contrast that's particularly visually pleasing. The overall form of the Kew broom gives it a relaxed yet refined character, making it suitable for many garden styles, from informal cottage gardens to more structured planting arrangements. Its flowering display not only adds visual interest but also provides a source of nectar for pollinators such as bees, which are often seen busily working among the blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Kew Broom, Kewensis Broom
Common names
Cytisus × kewensis.
ToxicityTo humans
Cytisus × kewensis, commonly known as Kew broom, is a hybrid plant that is considered to have a certain level of toxicity. The entire plant, but especially the seeds, can contain toxic alkaloids. If ingested, these can potentially cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it might lead to more serious health problems, including heart issues and seizures. It is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of the Kew broom.
To pets
Kew broom is also considered potentially toxic to pets. Similar to its effects on humans, ingestion of any part of this plant, particularly the seeds, can lead to gastrointestinal upset, presents symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it might cause serious symptoms that could include heart problems or convulsions. Pet owners are advised to keep their animals away from Kew broom to prevent accidental ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Hybrid
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Cytisus × kewensis, also known as Kew Broom, has attractive white flowers that can enhance the aesthetic beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Attraction: The flowers of Kew Broom can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Kew Broom is known for its ability to withstand periods of low water availability, making it suitable for dry or drought-prone gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for gardeners with limited time.
- Erosion Control: With its dense growth habit, Kew Broom can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks.
- Fast Growth: The plant has a rapid growth rate, which allows gardens and landscapes to quickly develop and fill in.
- Adaptability: Kew Broom can thrive in a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as the soil is well-drained.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cytisus × kewensis, commonly known as Kew Broom, can be utilized in ecological landscaping, providing a nitrogen-fixing capability that enriches the soil in which it grows.
- The dense foliage of Kew Broom provides excellent habitat for various species of birds, offering them shelter and nesting sites.
- Kew Broom's bright and abundant flowers can serve as a natural dye source for fabrics, yielding shades of yellow and green depending on the mordant used.
- The wood of Kew Broom is known for its hardness and can be used for small woodcraft projects or as durable handles for tools.
- Dried Kew Broom branches can be included in floral arrangements, adding a rustic and natural accent to home decor.
- When planted in coastal areas, Kew Broom can act as a windbreak, protecting delicate plants and reducing soil erosion due to its dense growth.
- Its rapid growth rate allows it to be used for temporary screening, providing quick privacy in new gardens or construction sites.
- Kew Broom has been used in large-scale land reclamation projects to help stabilize the soil and encourage the establishment of other plant species.
- The plant can be implemented in phytoremediation efforts to rehabilitate land that has been contaminated with heavy metals, thanks to its ability to accumulate these substances in its tissues.
- Potential use as a forage plant for certain livestock, especially goats, which can digest a wide range of vegetation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Kew broom is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Kew broom is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Renewal: Cytisus × kewensis, also known as 'Kew Broom,' often symbolizes renewal and new beginnings as it blooms in spring, heralding the end of winter.
- Humility: The modest growth habit of the Kew Broom, which doesn’t tower but grows close to the ground, is frequently associated with humility or the value of being grounded.
- Purity: Its bright, mostly yellow flowers can denote purity and cleanliness, echoing the color’s traditional symbolism.
- Cheerfulness: The vibrant yellow flowers of the Kew Broom bring brightness to gardens, representing joy, happiness, and cheerfulness.
- Protection: In some traditions, broom plants like the Kew Broom are believed to ward off evil and offer protection, possibly because of their association with domesticity and cleansing.
WaterFor the Kew broom, which is the common name for Cytisus × kewensis, it's best to water deeply but infrequently to mimic natural conditions. Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings. Typically, giving the plant about 1-2 gallons of water every week during the active growing season, and reducing to every other week when growth slows down in cooler months, works well. Be vigilant during hot, dry spells, where increased watering may be necessary to prevent drought stress. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage and do not let the plant sit in waterlogged soil.
LightKew broom thrives in full sunlight. Position the plant in a spot where it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day. They can tolerate partial shade; however, too much shade may lead to sparse blooms. The ideal location would be a south-facing garden that is bright and receives unfiltered sunlight for most of the day.
TemperatureThe ideal growing temperatures for Kew broom range from 60 to 75°F. They can withstand a minimum temperature of around 10°F, making them suitable for regions that experience colder winters. To ensure vigorous growth and abundant flowering, protect the plant from extreme cold and provide a microclimate that stays within the ideal temperature range as much as possible.
PruningPruning Kew broom is necessary to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Prune lightly after the blooming period, which typically is late spring or early summer, removing spent flowers and any straggly branches. Avoid heavy pruning which can be detrimental to the plant. Annual or biennial pruning is often enough to keep the plant healthy and looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilKew broom (Cytisus × kewensis) thrives best in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of two-parts sand or perlite to one-part peat or compost would create an ideal growing environment, ensuring adequate drainage while still retaining some moisture.
RepottingKew broom (Cytisus × kewensis) does not need frequent repotting and should be repotted every 2-3 years. It is important to repot only when the plant has outgrown its current container and to do so in the springtime just before new growth begins.
Humidity & MistingKew broom (Cytisus × kewensis) prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor environments. It is relatively tolerant to variations in humidity, making it well-suited to most garden settings without special humidity considerations.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and limited water.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and water sparingly.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA.
Life cycleCytisus × kewensis, commonly known as Kew broom, begins its life cycle as a seed, requiring well-drained soil and full sun to germinate effectively. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and establishes a root system, followed by the growth of foliage; this deciduous shrub typically has small green leaves and a fast-growing habit. As the plant matures, it develops woody stems and reaches its flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, showcasing an abundance of small white flowers that are attractive to pollinators. After pollination, the flowers develop into seed pods that mature and eventually release seeds, propagating the next generation. Throughout its active growth period, Kew broom requires regular pruning to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Finally, in the dormant stage during winter, its above-ground parts may die back, while the root system survives to regenerate the following spring, continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Cytisus × kewensis, more commonly known as Kew broom, is often propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings. This method is usually carried out during the late summer months. To propagate Kew broom using this method, one would cut a section of the plant's stem that is not too green or too woody, typically around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length, making sure to include at least a couple of leaf nodes. The cut end is then often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cutting is kept in a warm, shaded place and maintained moist until roots develop, after which it can be transplanted into a more permanent location.
